how to rotate laptop screen dell windows 11
Rotating the screen on your Dell laptop running Windows 11 is a quick and straightforward task. By following a few simple steps, you can easily change the orientation of your display to suit your needs. Whether you need to view your screen in portrait mode for reading or use landscape mode for gaming and videos, this guide will walk you through the process.
How to Rotate Laptop Screen Dell Windows 11
In the following steps, we’ll go through how to rotate your Dell laptop screen in Windows 11. You’ll find this especially handy if you’re dealing with unique display setups or working with specific applications that benefit from a different screen orientation.
Step 1: Open Settings
The first step is to open the Settings app by pressing ‘Windows + I’ on your keyboard.
Once you have the Settings app open, you’re just a few clicks away from achieving your desired screen orientation. The Settings window is your go-to place for adjusting various system preferences including display settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Display Settings
Next, select ‘System’ and then click on ‘Display’ from the sidebar menu.
This section is where you manage all aspects of your screen’s appearance. You’ll see options related to brightness, night light, and, most importantly, screen orientation.
Step 3: Choose Screen Orientation
In the Display settings, find the ‘Display orientation’ drop-down menu. Choose your preferred orientation: Landscape, Portrait, Landscape (flipped), or Portrait (flipped).
Selecting the right orientation can make a huge difference in how you interact with your laptop. For instance, Portrait mode is excellent for reading articles or coding, while Landscape mode is perfect for watching videos.
Step 4: Apply Changes
After selecting your desired orientation, click on ‘Keep changes’ when prompted.
This step finalizes your selection. If you don’t click ‘Keep changes,’ your screen will revert to its previous state after a few seconds. This safeguard is handy if you accidentally pick the wrong orientation.
Step 5: Verify Your Selection
Finally, make sure the screen orientation is to your liking. Adjust if necessary.
Verification ensures that everything looks as you intended. If things aren’t quite right, you can easily go back and tweak the settings again.
After completing these steps, your screen should now be in the orientation you selected. If you followed the steps correctly, your Dell laptop running Windows 11 will display your chosen orientation. This adjustment can make tasks like reading or presenting much more convenient.
Tips on How to Rotate Laptop Screen Dell Windows 11
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Press ‘Ctrl + Alt + Arrow key’ to quickly rotate the screen.
- Graphics Settings: Right-click on the desktop, select ‘Graphics Settings’ and then navigate to ‘Display’ to find screen rotation options.
- Tablet Mode: If using your Dell laptop in tablet mode, the screen orientation may rotate automatically.
- External Monitors: These steps can also apply to external monitors connected to your laptop.
- Revert Quickly: If the orientation doesn’t look right, you can revert to the previous setting within 15 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset the screen orientation to default?
You can reset the screen orientation to default (Landscape) by following the steps above and selecting ‘Landscape’ from the ‘Display orientation’ menu.
Can I rotate the screen on an external monitor?
Yes, you can rotate the screen on external monitors connected to your Dell laptop by selecting the external display in the Display settings and following the same steps.
What if my screen doesn’t rotate?
Ensure your graphics driver is up-to-date and that your laptop supports screen rotation. Some models may have limitations.
Can I use third-party software to rotate the screen?
Yes, there are third-party applications available that offer advanced display settings, including screen rotation.
Is it possible to lock the screen orientation?
Yes, you can lock the screen orientation to prevent accidental changes. This option is available in the ‘Display’ section of the Settings menu.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Navigate to Display Settings
- Choose Screen Orientation
- Apply Changes
- Verify Your Selection
Conclusion
Rotating your Dell laptop screen running Windows 11 is a simple yet powerful way to optimize your viewing experience. Whether you’re reading an e-book, coding, or giving a presentation, changing the screen orientation can make a world of difference. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have the flexibility to switch between orientations effortlessly.
Feel free to explore other display settings to further enhance your user experience. If you encounter any issues, the tips and FAQs provided should help you troubleshoot effectively. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how a simple screen rotation can improve your daily tasks.
For more detailed guides on how to make the most out of your Dell laptop and Windows 11, stay tuned!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.